Luminous Landscape editor Michael Reichmann has taken a look at 3 of his favourite Photoshop plugins - Noise Ninja, Convert To B&W Pro and Photokit Sharpener.

“One of the questions that I’m asked most often, both at my seminars, and by e-mail, is – what software tools do I use; particularly for noise reduction and sharpening. And, how do I do my B&W conversions. Over the past several years I have tried many of the programs and plug-ins to come to market, on both Mac and PC platforms. Below are brief looks at the ones that are my current preferred choices. The ones that I use every day, and that I count on when producing my commercial images and fine-art display prints.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Three Must-Have Photoshop Plug-ins

DCViews have posted their review of the new, competitively priced Olympus E-300/Evolt DSLR.

“The E-300 has ISO settings ranging from 100 to 1600. At lower settings images are remarkably noise free. However when you go higher up the scale some noise becomes present and especially at ISO 1600 noise is clearly visible. Obviously the Kodak CCD does not like to be pushed to such high sensitivities, although you should keep in mind that ISO 1600 is only meant for those situations where flash is banned or not appropriate, such as in a church, museum or theatre. For best image results stick to settings between 100 and 400.”

Website: DCViews - Olympus E-300/Evolt Review

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Digital Outback Photo have published part 2 of a series of articles by Byron Jorjorian that will interest anyone who is interested in making some money from their photography by selling them as stock images.

“Consider telling your friends and relatives about your ventures. They may know art directors or editors in companies that need the type of images that you produce. Experts say that everyone knows at least 200 people. Those 200 people also know 200 people. That means by contacting the 200 people you know and asking for referrals, you have gained access to more than 40,000 potential photo buyers!! Naturally, they aren’t all clients but you only need a few for your business to begin moving forward.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Marketing Your Images Part 2

DxO Optics Pro 2.2 has been made available by DxO Labs. Optics Pro 2.2 now supports the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II digital SLR camera, the new Adobe Digital Negative file format and has a simplified pricing structure.

DxO Labs Press Release

DXO LABS SHIPS DXO OPTICS PRO 2.2 ADDING SUPPORT FOR CANON EOS-1DS MARK II, ADOBE DIGITAL NEGATIVE SUPPORT (DNG) AND A SIMPLIFIED PRICING STRUCTURE

Paris, France, February 10, 2005 - DxO Labs, a software developer focused on research in image processing, announced today the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro 2.2 software. This latest version of DxO Labs’ flagship product for demanding photographers adds:

- Support for the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II.
- Support for the Adobe Digital Negative (DNG) file format as an output option.
- A simplified pricing structure and even better value. DxO Optics Pro is now offered either in a “Standard” version for expert amateur cameras or “Elite” version for all cameras including professional D-SLRS. DxO Raw Engine is now included in both versions.

DxO Labs has introduced DxO Lighting and DxO Noise technologies, adding to its range of image enhancement software. Photos enhanced with DxO Lighting more accurately reflect the reality of the scene, whilst images corrected by DxO Noise will need up to 4 times less light to deliver identical image quality.

DxO Labs Press Release

Leading imaging software company DxO Labs adds two major technology components to its DxO Technology Foundations

Paris, France - February 10, 2005 - DxO Labs, a software company developing image generation and image enhancement technologies, announces that it has added two major technology components to its DxO Technology Foundations:  DxO Lighting and DxO Noise.

“Our mission at DxO Labs is to transfer the latest results in applied mathematics academic research to technologies and solutions for our customers,” comments Frederic Guichard, DxO Labs Chief Scientist. “DxO Lighting and DxO Noise are good examples of our academic partnerships – both are based on recent academic breakthroughs which have been very quickly adapted to real life challenges to serve the imaging community.”

“The DxO Technology Foundations are at the heart of all our imaging solutions,” adds Jerome Meniere, CEO of DxO Labs. “As a result, DxO Lighting and DxO Noise will soon be integrated in all our products and solutions – for digital camera and cameraphone vendors, mobile operators, as well as demanding photographers.”

DxO Labs Press Release

Announcing DxO Mobile Embedded Edition availability on Texas Instruments OMAP media processor for cameraphones

Digital camera image quality now available to mainstream cameraphones

Paris, France - February 10, 2005 - DxO Labs, a software company developing image generation and enhancement technologies, announces that its award-winning DxO image quality enhancement technology is now available on Texas Instruments OMAP-DM275 imaging processor targeted at cameraphone vendors.

DxO Mobile Embedded Edition for cameraphones will be demonstrated at the 3GSM World Congress 2005, achieving a quantum leap in mobile imaging quality. Cameraphones powered by DxO Mobile Embedded Edition will deliver images of the same quality as today’s digital still cameras (DSCs).  Cameraphone vendors can now easily design products that meet consumer expectations for superior image quality, all within existing project parameters.

“Both customers and prospects have expressed significant interest in TI’s OMAP-DM275 imaging processor for use in cameraphones,” said Jorge Salhuana, Business Manager, Texas Instruments, Camera Phone Business Unit. “We believe the incorporation of DxO Labs’ innovative technology will make an even more compelling value proposition for cameraphone manufacturers seeking to deliver greater image quality in mass market consumer electronics products.”

DxO Labs Press Release

DXO LABS APPOINTS FORMER NOKIA EXECUTIVE LAURENT SAMAMA TO HEAD ITS MOBILE IMAGING BUSINESS

Paris, France, February 10, 2005 – DxO Labs, a software company focused on research in digital imaging, announces that Laurent Samama has joined the management team of the company as Vice President, Mobile Imaging.

“In this position, Laurent will be in charge of DxO Labs’ business with the mobile industry at large, including mobile network operators and cameraphone vendors,” says Jerome Meniere, founder and CEO of DxO Labs. “Mobile imaging is a considerable growth opportunity for DxO Labs and his 15 years of international management experience in this industry is a real asset for us.”

Before joining DxO Labs, Laurent spent 10 years with Nokia where he held various senior management positions. As managing director of Nokia France, he significantly increased the company’s business and presence in this country. He later relocated to the Silicon Valley to head one of the company’s global business units delivering end-to-end mobile business solutions. Through strategic partnerships with the IT industry, he also developed new markets globally, particularly mobile banking.

ProFotoSoftware Press Release

ProFotoSoftware have today issued V1.6 of PFS Image Darkroom, their Canon EOS Raw Image conversion software for Windows.

This new version adds image Cropping to the post conversion processing tools and Click White Balance to the Raw Conversion settings as well as numerous usability enhancements.

These new features provide PFS Image Darkroom the ability to be a true one stop shop when it comes to preparing EOS Raw Images for printing, publication and display on the Internet.

The Epson Stylus Photo RX620 has just been reviewed by BIOS Magazine. Tthe Stylus Photo RX620 is an all-in-one inkjet multifunction printer featuring a 2400X4800 dpi flatbed scanner, 2.5 inch preview monitor, integrated memory card reader, 6 individual ink cartridges and up 5760dpi print resolution. The Epson Stylus Photo RX620 can also back up data directly from CD-R/Zip drives via its USB port. The RX620 will cost £199 RRP inc VAT.

“Epson’s Photo RX620 (456x439x299mm, 10kg) is a robust and high performing all-in-one photo centre for photo enthusiasts. Placing the emphasis on high resolution printing and scanning, the Stylus Photo RX620 all-in-one offers a complete solution for home photo users working from both digital and analogue photo sources, but will be especially appreciated by those who have a portfolio of film-based images. It’s not the fastest printer on the block, but its results are definitely worth the wait. The Stylus Photo RX620 is an outstanding value-for-money offering for discerning photographers.”

Website: BIOS Magazine - Epson Stylus Photo RX620 Review

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Yahoo News have posted a review of the Olympus m:robe MR-500i photo viewer/MP3 player, which also has a built-in 1.2 megapixel digital camera.

“As I aimed the 500i, a jostling and sluggish image previewed on the LCD screen. I trusted the unit’s brains to focus this as I tapped on the screen to snap the shot, but what I got wasn’t much better than the preview — too blurry, and of little use. A letdown, considering that this gadget comes from Olympus, a company that made its name on optics and imaging and whose digital cameras are often top-rated. “

Thanks to Sanj for the link.

Website: Yahoo News - Olympus m:robe MR-500i Hands-On

The winners of the January 2004 PhotographyBLOG Competition have now been decided. The theme for January was “Red” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 3 winners:

1st Place
“Red Reflections” by gaja
View this entry

Prize: 1 copy of Digital Photography Hacks by Derrick Story.
Kindly donated by O’Reilly.
http://www.oreilly.com

2nd Place
“New York City” by Bellavance
View this entry

Prize: Photobird.com one-year subscription with 100 megabytes of storage space
Kindly donated by Photobird.com.
http://www.photobird.com

3rd Place
“red—” by Dax Carand
View this entry

Prize: 1 copy of Powerretouche Full Pro Pack
Kindly donated by Powerretouche.
http://powerretouche.com

Congratulations to the 3 winners and thanks to everyone who took part!

The February 2005 Competition is now open for entries. This is a monthly photography competition with a specific theme and prizes for the top 3 photos. The winning entries will be decided by a panel of judges. You just have to submit one photograph to the Competition Gallery that best interprets February’s theme, which is “The Countryside”.

I’m not quite sure what this says about their customers, but from the start of this month you can get a free copy of Digital Photography Tips for Dummies with Konica Minolta 4x6-inch photo inkjet paper products (USA only).

Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A Press Release

Konica Minolta Announces Free “Dummies” Book with Photo Inkjet Paper Consumer Promotion

Mahwah, NJ (February 9, 2005) Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. announces that from February 1, 2005 until April 30, 2005 consumers that purchase various Konica Minolta inkjet paper packs will immediately receive a free “Dummies” book.

“This innovative inkjet paper consumer promotion is designed to help educate consumers about both digital imaging and scrapbooking two very popular leisure-time activities,” said Todd Schrader, vice president of marketing for Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. “At the same time, Konica Minolta continues to add value to these consumers interested in producing high-quality inkjet prints at home.”

Available for free to consumers is “Digital Photography Tips for Dummies” shrink-wrapped with Konica Minolta 4x6-inch photo inkjet paper products (a $1.99 retail value) and “Creating Scrapbooks for Dummies” shrink-wrapped with Konica Minolta 8.5x11-inch inkjet products (a $7.99 retail value). In addition, both of these books contain a consumer coupon for $2.00 off the purchase of any size or finish of Konica Minolta inkjet photo paper. The coupon expires December 31, 2005.

auspiciousdragon.net have published an extensive and informative report on using the 8-megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE A2 digital camera for street photography in Hong Kong, comparing it along the way to the Leica M6 film camera.

“Quieter. Now that is a real advance.  Leica rangefinders have been the last word in quietness for decades.  Radio studios used to demand that photographers used Leicas so that no camera sound would be transmitted.  Yet, there is still the mechanical clunk and whirr of the shutter mechanism. The A2 is a close to being silent as is useful.  There is just the faintest of swishing noises as the aperture blades flick closed. Anywhere with background noise the Leica isn’t noticed but I did have several experiences where subjects were alerted to my presence by the shutter click.  This never happened with the A2.”

Website: auspiciousdragon.net - Street photography with a Minolta A2 and a Leica M6

The Sparrk Printable Photo Album will be on show at PMA 2005, which starts next Sunday (20th) in Orlando, USA. The Printable Photo Album is a software package that allows you to create and print photo albums directly using your computer and a printer.

Spaark Press Release

Spaark to demonstrate Printable Photo Album range at PMA 2005

Toronto, Canada, 8th February 2005 - Spaark will be demonstrating the unique Printable Photo Album solution at PMA 2005 in Orlando, Florida (Feb 20th-23rd). This follows a successful UK launch during 2004. The Spaark Printable Photo Album provides digital camera users with a complete solution to create and print albums direct from digital photos using a personal computer and inkjet printer. Available in a range of styles and sizes the Printable Photo Album includes software to create the album together with pre-cut punched inkjet papers which clip into the album covers.

Canto Cumulus 6.5 is a new version of the Canto’s digital asset management software program, aimed at the enterprise market. Cumulus 6.5 now supports Image Color Management (ICM).

Canto Press Release

Canto Cumulus 6.5 Delivers Digital Asset Management Throughout the Enterprise

Latest version is optimized for greater performance, improved workflow, convenient administration, and offers enhanced features for enterprise-wide deployment.

February 8, 2005 – San Francisco, Berlin. Canto, a global leader in Digital Asset Management (DAM) solutions, today announced the release of Canto Cumulus 6.5 with enhancements designed to manage content more effectively and significantly reduce learning time for easier enterprise-wide deployment.

With its fast growing role as a core component of the enterprise infrastructure, the newest version of Cumulus focuses on simplifying administration with enhanced authentication methods including LDAP support and new administration tools for increased system control.

“Setting up a flexible solution that allows easy administration and intuitive workflow can be labor-intensive and complex,” said Ulrich Knocke, Canto’s Senior Product Manager. “With Cumulus 6.5, we’ve managed to add more functionality for enterprise-wide deployment and at the same time offer ease of use and help drive down the cost of implementing a valuable system. Cumulus 6.5 offers the benefits and technology required to manage the wealth of digital content large organizations work with daily, without the pain and expense of competitive solutions.”

DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat.cz have just posted their review of the competitively priced 8 megapixel Olympus E-300 DSLR (also known as the Evolt in the USA).

Website: FotoAparat.cz - Olympus E-300 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus E-300 / Evolt

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Shuttertalk have just reviewed the 8 megapixel Canon PowerShot Pro1 digital camera (found via DCViews).

“Canon have designed the PowerShot Pro1 from the ground up to attract experienced photographers who know what they want out of digital photography—the great zoom range, L-series lens, creative controls and professional construction add to the appeal. Canon’s flagship prosumer camera exudes quality, feels great in the hand and handles well. While it has no trouble in producing rich, contrasty and sharp images that have a lot of detail, it is let down by sluggish shot to shot times and noisy images at the higher ISO settings. In optimum conditions the Pro1 can defitely hold its own, but with the price envelope of Digital SLRs continually dropping and features such as image stabilisation being offered from other 8 megapixel contenders, the Pro1 certainly faces some stiff competition.”

Website: Shuttertalk - Canon PowerShot Pro1 Review

CNET have reviewed the new Sony DSC-P93, a 5-megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom.

“While not the fastest camera on the market, the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-P93 holds it own when it comes to performance. From a power-off position, we were able to start up the camera and click off the first shot in less than 3 seconds. An average of about 3 seconds—give or take a few, depending on whether the flash was used—was also acceptable. And the P93 managed a respectable burst-shooting rate of 1.4fps. With our standard 1,850mAh nickel-metal-hydride AA batteries, the P93 kept on going for almost 1,000 shots.”

Website: CNET - Sony DSC-P93 Review

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The Fujifilm Finepix E500 is Fuji’s entry into the crowded entry-level digital camera market. This is a 4 megapixel model that offers a couple of interesting features to help differentiate itself from the competition. The Finepix E500 has a 28-91mm zoom lens and also offers full photographic control in the form of aperture-priority, shutter-priority and manual modes. The Fujifilm Finepix E500 allows you to take full creative control if you desire it, or you can use the various auto and scene modes instead and let it make the decisions. So does the Finepix E500 appeal to the photographer in me? Read my review to find out.

Website: Fujifilm Finepix E500 Review

Digital Photography Internationale Press Release

Digital Photographers from Four Countries Collaborate On Photo Book for Tsunami Charities

Digital Photography Internationale Partners with Lulu.com for Speedy Publishing Effort: A group of digital photographers from the U.S., Norway, Australia and Germany have collaborated on a full-color photography book to benefit tsunami-relief charities. Titled “Images to Brighten Our World,” the book is available through the publish-on-demand technology of Lulu (www.lulu.com). For more information on the book, go to www.DPInternationale.com.

(PRWEB) February 10, 2005—Thirteen photographers from across the world watched images of the Indian Ocean tsunami with the same paralyzed horror as did the rest of us. Photographers are usually the recorders of images, not subjects of their power. But when the photographers who make up Digital Photography Internationale (http://dpinternationale.com) — an online guild of digital photographers from the U.S., Germany, Australia, and Norway — saw photographs of the terrible devastation in South Asia, they asked the same question that people everywhere asked themselves: “What can I do to help?” Their answer: use Lulu (www.lulu.com) to publish “Images to Brighten Our World,” a 110-page full-color book of stunning images, with all proceeds benefiting tsunami-related charities.